by Katherine Hansil

RALEIGH, N.C. - Now in its 16th year, Raleigh Spring Premier continues to be one of the strongest shows kicking off the new season. Once again barns from up and down the East Coast and Indiana joined the barns from the Virginias and Carolinas to make for a supreme show. Exhibitors were excited to be back in gear and back together catching up on the activities of winter. Held March 26-28 at the Governor James B. Hunt Jr. Horse Complex, Raleigh Spring offers a full schedule of classes. Favorite teams from last year once again vied for titles against the new teams of the New Year, and people were in the stands session after session cheering. If there was any question of what the show season was going to bring with the state of the economy, Raleigh Spring was a great sign that the show must go on.

Once again Ray Cloninger was at the helm assisted by Joyce Wilson. Tammie Conatser and Fay Lowry held the cards while Wyatt Lilly called the classes to order. Don Baker, Bob Moseder, Dale Stone and Peyton Hamilton joined them, handling duties as ringmaster, photographer, organist and paddock master. Barbara Woodlief and Sue Imbaratto were on hand in the office while Steve Wilson handled the grounds and stabling.

Hospitality is a great amenity at Raleigh Spring. Each morning exhibitors were greeted with coffee, doughnuts and pastries. On Thursday, the Welcome Party was held. For the second year in a row on Friday there was an added bonus as the state of the art North Carolina State University’s College Of Veterinary Medicine opened their doors at 3:30 for a tour, and during the evening session they followed up with ringside refreshments. Saturday afternoon the Youth Pizza Party was held. The hospitality closed out with the Tail’s End Dessert Party that was scheduled for after Saturday evening’s session but with the rainy weather Ingleside began the party during the session to make it easier for all to attend. During the show, the silent auction was held with a variety of items offered and everyone took a break to throw their pigs in the entertaining When Pigs Fly event. During Saturday evening, the 50-50 raffle was held with Charles Leonard holding the winning ticket.

With all the great times and competition it was hard to find a downside to the show except the weather and maybe the schedule. Springtime weather showed its true colors with the show beginning in a drizzling chill but then warmed up and poured day after day. The one good thing about this facility is that it does handle the wet weather well as the roads in between the barns and leading up to the ring were paved a while back so that the famous red mud would become less of an issue. The schedule would be the only other thing there was some grumbling about. Each session held somewhere between 19 and 26 classes which can make for a long day and night. Saturday was when the big impact was felt as the afternoon academy session ran long and almost into the evening session. Management made the decision to move the evening back to give those who had been on hand for academy time to prepare for the final slate of championship classes. The show does the best job possible of handling the large sessions through keeping everyone informed and moving in and out as efficiently as possible.

Five-Gaited

It was nice to see the show come to a close with a well-filled gaited championship. Five competitive entries burst through the gate to vie for the title. Billy Greenwell had Attaché’s Crown Royal at the top of his game. He moved through each gate with ease to garner the tricolor for Park Avenue Partners LLC. Earlier they teamed up for the qualifying blue. The Siren Song gang not only celebrated the win but also Annika Bruggeworth’s birthday with a great party afterwards. Now under the expertise of Smith Lilly, Chief’s Top Commander was bright and came on strong to earn both reserves for Sam Webster.

In their only appearance, And I’m Stickin’ To It and Susan Orton were the epitome of a ladies team as they marched to victory in the Ladies Five-Gaited. This young horse just gets better and better under the watchful eye of Lewis Eckard. Aimee Austin was aboard the charismatic CH Social Worth to capture the red streamers in their only appearance as well.

The new team of Callaway’s Born For This and Allison Combs debuted this week in the amateur division. Combs thrilled everyone last year with Billy Jewel in her final junior exhibitor year and has come to the amateur ranks with full force. The team is perfectly matched, and with two huge performances, swept the amateur division. Sarah Longworth also joined the amateur class this year and rode hard aboard her beloved CH Diamond’s Hope for the reserve tricolor. In the qualifier the reserve title went to the flashy The Power Play with Allyson Ehle aboard.

Another new teamed captured the crowd and judge’s attention as CH Memories’ Paragon and Katie Morrison took command of the ring in the junior exhibitor division. Morrison masterfully piloted the expressive Paragon to sweep the division for the High Caliber banner. Reserve honors went to the Steve Hanks trained Riva’s Periaptor and Morgan Feimster.

Grant Shiflet put a on ride with Tobie McGuire to win the novice title for Anna Kirk. In for reserve was the four-year-old son of Callaway’s Northern Kiss, Who’s Your Daddy, with Leslie Tickle presenting for Megan Graham. Think I Will matured over the winter into a strong junior contender under the guidance of Matt Shiflet. With ease the Everything Will son moved from gait to gait and into the winner’s circle for All Well Farms. Reserve honors went to the big moving Perfectly Designed with Jan Lukens.

Always a crowd favorite in this neck of the woods, Jewels For A Lady and Tanner Parham moved up a notch to earn the Five-Gaited Pony Championship with a solid performance. Over the winter Cagle James had Little Lord Huntly working hard and it paid off when they confidently rode for the reserve tricolor. Debuting for the qualifying win was the magnificent Billy Jewel with catch rider Caroline Rose presenting for Clara McCool.

Three-Gaited

Kathy Cook had much to celebrate this week. Early in the schedule she topped the Open Three-Gaited with the expressive Daimler on the same day she celebrated her birthday and on Saturday evening she returned to claim the tricolor in the Three-Gaited Championship. Reserve in the qualifier went to the high-headed MJB High Fire with Robert Lucas presenting for Carol and Heck Newton.

Kristen Cater had Golden Market in top form to win the ladies class for Catherine McCool. They returned on Saturday to march down the rail for the reserve honors in the open championship. Jenna Norton is another young lady graduating into the amateur ranks. Aboard the talented Callaway’s Paisano, Norton captured the ladies reserve title for the Harrison Shiflet banner.

Two Virginia teams battled for the amateur championship. The solid performer Periaptor’s Dancing Star, with Dr. Teresa Miller, topped the championship. Reserve honors went to Spool’s Top Star RHF and Carol Reedy. This team debuted earlier to win the amateur qualifier, with I’m Sky High and Rick Daigle claiming the reserve.

The new teams continued to march to the winner’s circle as Karly Morgan presented the multi-titled CH Yes It’s True to the top spot on the junior exhibitor championship. This teamed moved up from their reserve spot in the qualifier for the Mercer Springs banner. Jessie and Michael Richardson have done a great job putting together the new team of Forever Foxy and Elizabeth Ververeli over the winter and in their debut carried away the qualifying blue and returned for the reserve championship title.

Leslie Tickle had Paranormal looking fantastic and marched down the rail pass after pass for the junior title for the Costoplos/Thornhill partnership. Nathan Brachear presented Fox Creek Crown Reserve to the reserve title for Rebecca McCann.

Moving up a notch for the Three-Gaited Pony Championship victory was the hard riding Caroline Anderson aboard CH Cameo’s Carte Blanche. Winning the qualifier was the multi-titled CH Royalty In Black with Stephanie Miller.

Park

Reedann’s Heir To Glory made the moved to the park division with ease with trainer Smith Lilly. Lilly was in the irons to sweep the open division for Tammie and Gary Kale. Reserve championship honors went to the bay beauty Leatherwood’s All Smiles with Bill Shiflet aboard for Anne Holmes. Billy Greenwell piloted Sue Me to the qualifying reserve for Annika Bruggeworth. Bill Shifet returned to the spotlight to win the junior qualifier aboard I’m Worth New York for Riley Shiflet.

Marie Gwinn debuted aboard Sugar Coated this week. The flashy grey five-year-old moved up a notch with Gwinn to win the amateur championship. The leg waving CH Broadway’s Mamma Mia topped the qualifier with Krysten Malcolm aboard and returned for the championship reserve title.

Milady A La Lucie and Holly Wilson debuted in a new division to take on the competitive junior exhibitor park ranks. The well-matched team was flawless as they swept the division. The eye-catching CH Kalarama’s Shiraz with Drew Taylor Hewitt carried away both reserve titles.

Fine Harness

In the Fine Harness Championship, Kim Stewart returned on the lines with Mr. Napoleon Dynomite for the tricolor. Earlier Cash Lovell presented the Attaché’s Royal Assets’s son to the reserve in the junior qualifier. Ben McDaniel was on the lines for Periaptus Victorius for the championship reserve after an earlier qualifying blue. Winning the junior qualifier was Tribeca with Wes Hall presenting the Matt Shiflet trained/Gaited Inc. owned star.

Roadster

Royal Count and Rebekah Cloninger may have been the lone entry in the Roadster To Bike Championship but they did not disappoint as they thrilled the crowd with their speed and form to carry out the tricolor. Earlier this team earned the amateur qualifier reserve. Topping the amateur qualifier in their only appearance was Mr.’s Bones with Charlie Jones. Jones was also behind his newest star, Endignant, to take home the open reserve in their only appearance. Steve Hanks was on the lines for the open win with Mark Catron’s Cookie Monster.

Vivacious earned a pair of wins in the under saddle division with Mary Lou Greenwell in the irons for the qualifier and owner Dr. Holly Ackerman presenting to the tricolor. Matt Shiflet was aboard Big N Rich for Chappy Chapman for both reserves.

Ponies

Moving up from the junior division, Sha Boom swept the open division with Lewis Eckard on the lines for Karl Bridgeman. The solid performer Vivacious EF captured both reserve titles with Mary Daughtry on the lines in the qualifier and Harry Daughtry returning for the championship. Danny Troutman piloted Regal’s Citation LF to the novice win with Seamair Premiere and Karen Voerg earning reserve. Evan Orr was behind Wait & See’s Postmaster to debut for the Road Pony To Wagon win for Jennifer and Vernon Foster.

New teams continued to be theme as the anticipated debut of Free Willy and Jayne Romano burst through the gate for the amateur division. With two outstanding drives, Romano and the extremely talented Willy showed form and speed to sweep the division. Rant ‘N Rave KV and Karen Voerg moved up a notch for the championship reserve while Smackdown and Rebekah Cloninger captured the qualifying reserve.

Hawkeye’s Chatter Box powerfully swept the pleasure driving division with Allie Wellington on the lines. The bright and toppy Cover Story captured both reserves with Brenda Rappaport.

Cappuccino is probably one of the most winning ponies on the Carolina circuit with just one owner to his credit. Over the past 10 years the pony has amassed wins from Raleigh to Louisville, beginning in the open division with trainer Steve Gassen and then reigning in the amateur division with Johnny Wellington followed by Holly Gassen and then Brenda Kelly. Last year, Tanner Parham jumped at the chance to show the great pony to earn two reserve world’s championship titles in the junior exhibitor division. It was probably then that third generation Charles Gassen decided if Parham could do it then so could he. Over the winter in rain, snow or shine, Gassen came to the barn to practice as much as his mom and dad would allow. All the dedication and hard work paid off when Gassen and "Cap" exploded through the gate this week at Raleigh in Gassen’s first performance class ever. All the kinks may not have been worked out, but with the coaching from his mom and dad on the rail, and many others, eight-year-old Gassen drove confidently for the blue in the AHHS Medallion. He returned in the championship and found his spots on the rail, working the ring while showing his speeds, Cappuccino moved steadily. Once again this grand pony is putting his mark on another division for proud owner and grandmother, Brenda Kelly.

Reserve in the Medallion was the multi-titled Heartland Curtain Call with Lindsay Jones. In the championship another new team of Sweet Impression and Audrey Sigmon captured the reserve title for proud granddad Joe Cook.

Show Pleasure

Midnight Senor was a standout with Melody Murphy as they bested the field in the Adult Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship and qualifier. Debuting in a new division, Spirit Of New York PSF and Brittany Kale turned in two powerful yet mannered performances to capture both reserves. In the junior exhibitor division, CH Sunken Treasure and Drew Taylor Hewitt added a pair of wins to their long list of career wins while CH MMMBop and Allie Wellington rode hard for both reserves. Topping the novice qualifier was Callaway’s Ball Of Fire and Donna Finch.

Brooke Jacobs had a successful show to sweep the park pleasure division with the consistent performer Recoup. Moving up a notch, Callaway’s Compatible and Whitney Bennett garnered the championship reserve for Katherine and John Singleton while A Dramatic Man and Rick Felder claimed the qualifying reserve. Ashley Ambrose was aboard Flame’s Heavenly Mayday to win the junior class for Allison Blanchard while Jazil and Suzy Shiflet carried out the red streamers. Heather Boodey was aboard the eye-catching Sunshine And Summertime for the three-year-old win for Canterlope Farm, with Joan Sonnabend’s Yes By Golly capturing the reserve with Grant Shiflet.

Brooke Jacobs was back in the spotlight to sweep the 18-29 Three-Gaited Show Pleasure with the bright CH My Southern Charm. CH Thundersnow, with new owner Katie Young, took both reserve ribbons back to the High Caliber banner. The 30 and over division also enjoyed a sweep as Marjorie Newman piloted Power Source to both wins under the direction of Kristen and David Cater. Melody Murphy was thrilled with her two performances aboard Callaway’s Northern Fling to earn both reserve titles.

Elizabeth Ververelli debuted with Heir’s Halo under the direction of Jessie and Mike Richardson to sweep the 14-17 division with two outstanding performances. The tried and true CH Future Treasure with Chandler Gray carried out both reserve titles. In the 13 and under division, Cagle James expertly piloted CH My Grande to a pair of wins. Anna Ergish moved up with Styles By Cavalier for the reserve championship while Drew Taylor Hewitt catch rode Ellie Kangur’s new horse, Brookhill’s Kool As Ice, to the reserve in the qualifier.

Tony Miller was aboard the well-mannered star Thomas Edison for the win the novice rider championship under the direction of Leslie Tickle. Winning the qualifier was Laugh Outloud and Kimberly Crist. This team returned for the championship reserve. Reserve in the qualifier went to Callaway’s Cover Page and Emma Carol Lewis. Meghan Combs was aboard A Dollars Worth for the amateur owned and trained win.

Buckwiser and Jordan Parham had a comeback ride to win the 12 & Under Walk & Trot Show Pleasure for the Heads Up banner. The well-suited team of Heir’s Intoxication and Carver Semans earned the reserve championship. Earlier in the schedule this new team debuted for the win under the Cash Lovell banner. Reserve in the qualifier went to yet another new team, Manhattan Tee Time and Caroline Staples.

Allie Poovey debuted aboard Sunkissed Supreme to sweep the pleasure pony division, with The King’s Fizz and Austin Hazelwood earning reserve for Lori Ingram.

In a well-filled class Unclaimed topped the Show Pleasure Driving Championship. Earlier in the week this superstar also captured the qualifier for the Fairfield South banner. Brittany Keel was on the lines for the junior exhibitor win with CF Star At First Sight.

Country Pleasure

The new teams just kept making their way into the spotlight as Andrea Athanasuleas debuted with Jessie Cole. The dappled grey was a standout in the adult country pleasure division to win the championship and qualifier for Christina Athanasuleas. CH Riva Diva and Donna Finch had two nice rides for both reserves. Toree Hefner debuted aboard Crimson’s Dance Card to win the amateur owned and trained, with Stand And Watch and Sara Roberson in for reserve.

Elizabeth Ververeli was back in the spotlight catch riding Executive Search to sweep the 14-17 division for Meadowview Farm LLC. Street Rod and Anna Drew Jackson moved up for the reserve championship. In the qualifier, the striking She’s All The County and Karly Morgan garnered the red streamers. In the 13 and under division, Alexandra Percoco took over the duties with Heads Will Turn. The teamed swept the division for proud grandmother Jayne Romano for Fairfield South banner. Man Of Hour Dreams and Alex Ennis moved for the reserve championship, with Mr. Tahiti and Sarah Martin earning reserve in the qualifier.

Madison Morgan debuted aboard Simbara’s Stars And Stripes in the walk and trot country pleasure division under the Mercer Springs banner. The team matched up well to capture both wins. Reserve honors went to Kalarama’s Memorable and Emily McKay.

Sweeping the novice rider division was another new team. Kristen and David Cater matched up CH Evening Dazzle and Catie McCool for the pair of wins. Maximum Mischief and Lisa McKenzie earned both reserves.

CH Candle Dan made his entrance into country pleasure driving with Jayne Romano. Under the direction of Fairfield South, the team swept the division with two outstanding performances. Reserve in the both classes went back to Boone’s Farm with Startalyst and Ann Cannon.

Noir Amie was stunning with Synnova Hayes to win the Western Pleasure Championship and limit qualifier. Reserve in the championship and qualifier went to Cosmic Sunfire and Judith Gandarillas. This team topped the Saddle & Bridle Western Country Pleasure class. Winning the qualifier was O Ain’t I Somethin’ and Luanne Kilday. Kilday also showed Wezatease to a pair of reserves in the limit and Shatner classes.

Sweeping the hunter division was Symbol’s Supreme Eclipse and Holly Henson. Cosmic Sunfire showed versatility to earn both reserves again with Gandarillas.

Equitation

Kim Mueller debuted aboard her new equitation mount Say You Will. With polished performances, she topped the Equitation Championship as well as the UPHA Challenge Cup under the direction of Heather Boodey. Mueller also earned the NHS Good Hands reserve.

Cater Stables riders enjoyed success when Caroline Rose topped the age group qualifier. Margaret McCool was in the spotlight to win the 13 and under qualifier while a confident Clara McCool topped the UPHA Walk & Trot Challenge Cup. Earlier Clara McCool earned the reserve in the 10 & Under Walk & Trot qualifier. Sarah Nerz was in top form under the direction of the Caters to win the UPHA Challenge Cup Pleasure Equitation, Pleasure Equitation qualifier, Saddle & Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion and the NHS Good Hands.

Molly Codeanne was poised aboard Platinum Asset for the win in the 10 & Under Walk & Trot Equitation for the Fairfield South banner. Cashlyn Lovell debuted aboard Aces And Eights to earn the reserve in the UPHA Walk & Trot Challenge Cup.

Ellie Kangur, under Mary and Evan Orr’s direction, graduated from the walk and trot division to earn reserves in the UPHA Challenge Cup and the 13 and under qualifier. Stablemate Meredith Macy claimed the UPHA Challenge Cup Pleasure Equitation and Saddle & Bridle Medallion reserve titles. Winning the USEF Medal was Melanie Bennett while Bailey Bennett captured the reserve. Dr. Holly Ackerman was aboard Santana’s Montana for the USEF Adult Medal win while Bredin Rush, from Heads Up, earned the reserve.

Morgans

Tim Roesink debuted with Tomeri Tango for Bonnie Howard to sweep the English Pleasure Championship and qualifier. Stonecroft After Midnight and Aimee Austin were in top form for the ladies and open reserves for Holly Johnson. Winning the ladies class was the CBMF Stand By Me with Amanda McHatten in the irons for Kourt Jester Morgans. Trainer Tim Roesink had his time in the spotlight with 2008 driving star by winning the limit/junior class. Reserve in the limit/junior class went to CJS Piece Of Mind and Grant Shiflet for Cindy Fischer Shepherd. Reserve in the championship went to LMI Coalition Sonrise and Catherine Quick.

In the amateur division Krista Headley and Tara’s Firewalker earned the starring role to sweep the championship and qualifier. Shelley Silber debuted with Prada for the reserves.

Ken Swanson was on the lines with CBMF Ruling Class to win the Pleasure Driving Championship after owner Holly Johnson qualified with a reserve. Reserve championship honors went to Graywood’s Lennox and Harry Daughtry for Mary Daughtry. Winning the qualifier was Own The Night and Tim Roesink for Dragonsmeade.

In the amateur division Nancy Hendricks expertly piloted Dragonsmeade Carnaros to the win in the championship and qualifier. Krista Headley was back in the ring this time with Kingsgrove French Elegance to capture the reserve titles. Ken Swanson was on the lines with the War And Piece daughter, Tara’s Foxfire, to sweep the junior division for Frances Pugh.

Under the Tara Farm banner, Ram Wham Bam Precision and Laura Austin had two flawless performances to garner the Classic Pleasure Championship tricolor and qualifying blue. Championship reserve honors went to BW Shrek and Betsy Buchanan while June A. Davis presented Hollybrook Walk In Tall to the qualifying reserve.

The great little team of Battier and Anika Frank topped the junior exhibitor classic pleasure division for the Heads Up banner. June Davis was back in the ring with Hollybrook Walk In Tall to sweep the driving division.

Capturing a pair of wins in the hunter division was the expressive HVK My Flaire Lady. Aimee Austin was aboard the mare in her return to the show ring. Reserve championship honors went to W.H. Masai and Dede Bushneck with DEF Queen Anne’s Revenge and Phil Lanier earning the qualifying reserve. Emory Sykes was aboard Martha Perry’s FRF Center Stage for the amateur championship and qualifying wins. W.H. Masai with owner Patricia West aboard earned the championship reserve, with Glorious Answer and Catherine Hill earning reserve in the qualifier.

Almost Famous and Ariella Silber had two outstanding performances to sweep the 12 and under walk and trot division under Tim Roesink’s watchful eye. Anna Pugh debuted this week aboard Tara’s War Eagle to move up a notch in the championship for the reserve honors. In the qualifier AFF Elusive Dream and Savannah Woodruff carried out the red streamers.

Miscellaneous

Capturing the crowd’s attention was the majestic Gooitzen Fan Teakesyl with Annika Bruggeworth. Bruggeworth presented the world champion Friesian to the winner’s circle in the championship and qualifier of the Friesian Under Saddle.

The all breed local pleasure horse is always a popular class. Winning the qualifier was Stand And Watch with Sara Roberson, with Buckwiser and Shannon Parham in for reserve. Topping the championship was Everheart and Brittney Varney.

Academy

Saturday afternoon was a long one where the academy riders from riding programs including Boone’s Farm, Canterbury, Cash Lovell, Cater, Farrington, Heads Up, Felder, High Caliber, Ingleside, Jansal, Johnny Lucas, Longacre, Meadow Wood, Pine View, Chet Sowle and Winslow competed. Capturing titles were: Judy Matthews, Nancy Hamilton, Taylor Henderson, Summer Blackwelder, David McCool, Julie Forehand, Taylor Bernstein, Bridget Hannigan, Sydney Cearley, Emily Stokes, Ally Hibbitts, Catherine Horn, Ashley Stewart, Dana Matix, Melinda Tedder, Lisa McCaughey, Heather Bowen, Shelley Bradley, Ellen Harry, Dee Kegley, Cassidy Bridges, Ainsley Ruley, Paige Greeson, Faith Ann Banks, Sarah Adams, Cailin Bridges, Graham Troxell, Kaila Webb, Hannah Wessler, Elaina Bullard, Bailey Hall, Emily Wilson, Chloe Marion, Amelia Correll, Sydney Beason, Alexandra Bowlen, Mackenzie Todd, Felicia Elliot, Sarah Stanley Lillian Boyd, Natalie Pierce, Caroline Crernow, Jozy Unal, Isabella Byrd, Mallory Mansfield, Olivia Horan, Amy Cedrone, Macy Blake, Kyler Johnson, Stella McAuley, Hadley Bassett, Gracyn Mansfield, Avery Rose McCutcheon, Caroline Crernow, Natalie Pierce, Payton Nicole Shiflet, Lauren McMurry and Rachel Sanchez.